CONFIRMED: Simon Kinberg Will Direct ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’

A couple months ago, Collider had some information that pointed towards producer Simon Kinberg being the one to the potentially direct X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Although, when asked Simon seemed to be coy about the gig.

Well, we’ve been able to confirm this is not just a rumor. Omega Underground has uncovered a new official industry listing for the film. Which reveals Kinberg is indeed directing along with the film’s production taking place between June 28th until October 5th (could be extended to October 19th as recent extras casting calls suggest) in Montreal.

This should make fans a little nervous that first-time director Simon Kinberg will be cutting his teeth on a $200M+ film with zero experience. After examples such as Alex Kurtzman’s The Mummy, David Goyer’s Blade Trinity, and Frank Miller’s The Spirit it’s hard to think positively about this choice considering the expected cosmic elements being thrown into the mix.

Fox has yet to make this official, but avoiding the announcement could speak volumes.

An official casting announcement hasn’t been made but it’s expected that Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Tye Sheridan will be returning.

Omega Underground has previously revealed that actors Toby Huss (Halt and Catch Fire) along with Alexa Swinton (Billions) have submitted audition tapes for the roles of Hoover and Marie.